Conquer Praxis Reading inference questions

The Praxis test is a crucial milestone for aspiring educators aiming to demonstrate their readiness for the classroom. In particular, the Praxis Reading section, part of the Praxis Core series, evaluates not only your comprehension of written passages but also your ability to discern implied meanings and subtle details. Among the most prevalent and challenging types of Praxis questions are inference questions, which require careful analysis of what is suggested rather than directly stated. Mastering inference skills, recognizing their format on the test, and using targeted Praxis practice questions to prepare are key strategies for achieving success on the Praxis Reading section.

What is the Praxis Reading exam?

The Praxis Reading or Praxis 5713 is one of three exams that make up the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators assessments. Each exam covers one main area; Praxis Writing and Praxis Mathematics are the other two. The Praxis Core is a requirement to obtain a teaching license and enter teacher preparation programs in many states. In total, the Praxis Core takes almost 5 hours to complete, with 85 minutes allotted for the reading portion.

Understanding what an inference is

An inference is a logical conclusion or assumption that is drawn from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements. When you make an inference, you read between the lines and combine details from the text with your own reasoning to understand what is being implied.

Here is an example of an inference: if a passage describes a character who storms upstairs and slams the door, you can reasonably infer that the character is upset or angry, even if the passage does not state it directly.

How inferences show up on the Praxis test

When preparing for the Reading section of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test, you will frequently encounter inference questions. These Praxis Core inference questions are designed to assess your ability to determine what the author implies, suggests, or assumes, even when it is not directly stated in the passage. Often, you can quickly recognize inference questions by how they are phrased within the Praxis Core Reading section.

Some common forms of inference questions you may see in the Praxis Core include:

• Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
• The author suggests that…
• Based on the passage, it can be reasonably concluded that…

The main goal of these Praxis Core Reading questions is to evaluate your skills in analyzing and interpreting information, rather than simply recalling facts. The correct answer will always be supported by evidence from the text, even if that evidence is only implied and not clearly stated.

To succeed on the Praxis Core Reading section, it is essential to spend time reviewing and practicing different types of questions you may encounter. Becoming familiar with the wording and structure of inference questions will help you identify them more easily during your Praxis Core preparation. Make sure to practice a variety of question formats, so you can confidently distinguish between inference-based questions and those requiring direct recall, allowing you to manage your time effectively on test day.

How to study for the inference-based questions

Active reading

During the Praxis exam, it’s important to avoid the temptation to quickly skim through passages. Instead, focus on active reading strategies—engage with each Praxis Reading passage by annotating in the margins and highlighting essential phrases. This process improves comprehension and ensures you capture key points that may be tested.

Ask questions

As you actively read Praxis Reading passages, enhance your understanding by questioning the text. Consider what the author truly means and look for subtle clues about interpretations. This critical approach is essential for analyzing Praxis practice questions and identifying the deeper implications often present on the Praxis test.

Practice passages

Regularly using a Praxis practice test or working through Praxis practice questions can significantly improve your reading and analytical skills. Completing multiple Praxis Reading practice passages not only boosts your confidence but also builds your speed and accuracy. The more practice you get, the better equipped you’ll be to handle timing and logic challenges on the real Praxis exam.

Process of elimination

Reviewing questions before reading the passages and using other effective test-taking strategies are vital for success on the Praxis Reading section. Focusing on what to look for in the passage helps you match information to answer choices more effectively. As you work through Praxis practice questions, systematically eliminate incorrect answers to narrow down your options. Developing this skill through regular use of Praxis practice tests will help you become faster, more precise, and confident when tackling the Praxis test.

Example inference-based question

This passage is from “The Blue Castle” by L. M. Montgomery. Valancy, who is not yet married, has recently turned twenty-nine:

There was a rosebush on the little Stirling lawn, growing beside the gate. It was called “Doss’s rosebush.” Cousin Georgiana had given it to Valancy five years ago and Valancy had planted it joyfully. She loved roses. But—of course—the rosebush never bloomed. That was her luck. Valancy did everything she could think of and took the advice of everybody in the clan, but still the rosebush would not bloom. It throve and grew luxuriantly, with great leafy branches untouched of rust or spider; but not even a bud had ever appeared on it. Valancy, looking at it two days after her birthday, was filled with a sudden, overwhelming hatred for it. The thing wouldn’t bloom: very well, then, she would cut it down. She marched to the tool-room in the barn for her garden knife and she went at the rosebush viciously. A few minutes later horrified Mrs. Frederick came out to the verandah and beheld her daughter slashing insanely among the rosebush boughs. Half of them were already strewn on the walk. The bush looked sadly dismantled.

Why does Valancy destroy the rosebush?

1. The rosebush’s failure to bloom reminds her of her unmarried state.
2. She was upset because she was renowned for her gardening skills.
3. She comes to hate the rust and spiders that infest the rosebush.
4. She destroys the rosebush because she hates Cousin Gloriana.
   

Correct: A. The rosebush’s failure to bloom reminds her of her unmarried state. Like the rosebush, Valancy is failing to “bloom” as a wife and mother. While this is not stated outright by the narrator, the reader can infer Valancy’s thoughts and feelings through her actions and context.

How long does it take to study for the Praxis inference questions?

The time needed varies and depends on the individual. However, if you are looking for a general benchmark for most test-takers, this is what is commonly seen:

1. If you are starting from scratch, dedicate about 3 to 4 weeks to focused, consistent study. Spend around 30 to 50 minutes a day, specifically working on reading strategies and practicing inference questions.
2. If you are comfortable with reading comprehension but want to improve inference skills, 1 to 2 weeks of targeted practice can make a big difference.
3. If you are short on time, a few intensive sessions over several days can help sharpen your inference skills if you focus on high-quality practice and review.

Understanding the inference questions

Inference questions on the Praxis Reading section of the Praxis test challenge your critical thinking skills and comprehension abilities. Success in this portion of the Praxis Core or other reading-focused assessment requires proficiency in drawing conclusions from reading passages. Practicing active reading strategies, spotting textual evidence, and systematically working through Praxis practice questions will strengthen your ability to make accurate inferences. Using a high-quality Praxis practice test allows you to simulate real exam conditions and enhance your overall reading skills. With dedicated preparation centered around the Praxis Reading concepts and repeated exposure to relevant practice materials, you’ll boost your confidence and readiness for any reading-related questions on the Praxis exam.